An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar...
Top 10 Beaches from Panjim to Palolem: South Goa
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Generally people who plan a trip to Goa, do so for 3-4 days at most. The most generous will give it a week. I think that’s ok- if you want to cover a few places. And then, maybe a few more places on your next visit.
This itinerary breakup for Goa is a great checklist, to make the best of your trip, no matter what your choices are.
Here are Top 10 beaches from Panjim to Palolem : South Goa
Note : Days are subjective depending on your pace and preference
< Day 1 >
#1 Siridao beach
When you drive south from Panjim, stop ahead of Bambolim to get here. Unlike the other touristy beaches, Siridao is small with some fishing activity. There are a few benches where you can sit and enjoy the sunset.
This place is rarely visited. We were here to visit a relative once, and my dad found a local inn that he believes has the best urak ever (local alcoholic brew).
Disclaimer : If you are driving, stay sober and save it for later.
#2 Pilar, Goa Velha
As you continue on the state highway, Less than 5 kms from Siridao is Pilar (Goa Velha). More frequented by devout goans than tourists, Pilar is better known for the Fr.Agnel Seminary and Fr. Agnel Institutes (like higher secondary school and degree college).
The church of Our Lady of Pilar is located on a hillock. While the church in its baroque style architecture is beautiful, the view from above makes the climb worth the effort.
Yet another gem hidden from plain sight. Opposite the Agassaim bazar is St. Lourenco church. There are stairs behind the church, and walk around the lanes to get an essence of a quiet serene goan village dotted with a few lotus ponds along the way. There is another street for vehicles.
Even for the heck of it; driving from Cortalim circle to Vasco da gama is a delightful experience. It really doesn’t matter then, whether you are riding a scooty or a public bus- swaying along the uneven coast with a glimpse now and then of ship building, swaying palm trees, and you pass by San Jacinto island looking inviting and forbidding at the same time.
St. Jacinto Island, Vasco
The Mormugao port constructed in 1888 is still one of India’s major ports. It is also a busy ship building area.
Things to see and do in Vasco
St Andrew’s church
The Church of St. Andrew the Apostle was founded by the Jesuits in 1570. It has a beautiful golden-color and is located next to M Business Hotel.
Naval aviation museum
The Indian navy has a large presence in Vasco owing to it being a major port. The Naval aviation museum is one of a kind and makes one feel so proud. This is an open air museum so try to visit in the evening (around 4-5 pm).
Vasco town is dotted with several bars, cafes and restaurants. Sheela restaurant and bar, Grapevine restaurant serve good goan and seafood flavours and are popular.
Bogmalo beach
Bogmalo is the closest beach to Goa airport, sprinkled with exclusive resorts and its fair share of foreign tourists. The beach is beautiful with food shacks.
Bogmalo beach, Vasco
Staying around Vasco - this area has expensive, and some affordable mid-range guesthouses and hotels. So find one that suits you.
It’s been a long day
< Day 2 >
#4 Velsao, Cansaulim, Arossim
I love beach walks, and on a fine day- the Velsao, Cansaulim, Arossim stretch is a great way to send my stress and worries to the warm salty air. The sound of sea waves and the warm sugar sand between my toes is all I need.
There are fewer beach side shacks, so carry your water bottle. Watch fisherfolk with the day’s catch and the occasional water sports activities. The sea is calm for a swim (at certain places) and there are responsible lifeguards around.
fisherfolk after the day's catch
Three Kings church located on a hillock is worth visiting, and affords a panoramic view of the village and paddy fields below.
Velsao beach at sunset
Regarding stay - This stretch has fewer stay options. There is no harm in checking with some locals for some decent affordable options. In case that fails, head south towards Utorda.
The Utorda and Majorda beach section is a bit pricey. Although if you look around there are some mid-range options as well. It’s a smaller beach with few shacks. I didn’t spend too much time here.
#5 Betalbatim beach
A perfect serene palm-fringed beach, in case you wish to get away from the crowded neighboring beaches of Colva and Majorda.
It's a perfect romantic getaway beach in Goa, incase you're looking for one. A couple of beach shacks where you can enjoy chilled beer and a snack, clean white sand. Enjoy the experience of peaceful walks and swims. The sight of beach maintenance work late evenings is indeed heartening.
< Day 3 >
#6 Colva, Benaulim
Go if you must to Colva! there’s nothing stopping anyone from going anywhere… just like I did. The beach is crowded and dirty, so avoid getting into the water at all costs. Instead you can go Betalbatim or the beaches further south if you want to swim.
So what’s good about Colva then?
The Colva Benaulim stretch has a cluster of resorts, hotels and guest houses in all price ranges, which is good news for those on a budget. So look out, find a good deal and take some time off, just relax or get some work done.
Colva places to stay
I was lucky to find a small goan restaurant called Martin's Corner, Colva. They serve reasonably priced authentic goan simple basic food (main beach entrance)
< Day 4 >
#7 Cavelossim, Mobor
There was a time I sold timeshare for a chain of resorts located here in Mobor - Cavelossim. Since I was living in Mumbai then, the company was gracious to provide free accommodation at one of their beautiful resorts at Mobor. I can still visualize the luxurious rooms and its amazing swimming-pools.
Equally amazing was the vast, empty Mobor beach with its powder soft white sand. And I wondered, why no one ever visited this place.
The Sal river is nearby and there are some water sports tours operators, who apparently operate only during peak tourist season.
Getting here : This beach stretch is really further away from NH-17 and if you don't have a vehicle- most buses from Margao go till Maria hall, Benaulim. Wait for another bus to take you to Mobor.
The Leela’s and some more luxury hotels are further down. You are less likely to find budget stay around here.
A day at the beach
#8 Betul beach
Continue ahead of Mobor till the end. I took the less frequent bus from Maria hall, Benaulim to get to Betul. ‘But where is the beach?’ I wondered.
Not a soul in sight, so I thought of poking around to find a way to the beach; then suddenly from nowhere an elderly man began shouting at me from the comfort of his home. ‘How can you just start walking into somebody’s property?’ he asked. Needless to say - I was at a loss of words.
The beach seemed so cleverly hidden from plain sight.
And when I found it, one look was enough to knock my shades off! - empty, and not a shack in sight. A vast expanse of sky, surf, sea and powder white sand!
Back on my return, I could see fishermen in their boats on the river Sal. Here is where the river Sal meets the Arabian sea.
fishing trawlers in the Sal river at Betul
< Day 5 >
#9 Agonda, Palolem
An evening at Palolem beach, South Goa
The Agonda - Palolem stretch is undeniably part of every backpacker’s itinerary, that is why there are a range of affordable hostels and guest homes. It’s a great opportunity to take a break from it all or just get some work done.
This fort is set in rustic surroundings and overlooks the gorgeous Arabian sea, the fort is worth exploring. Within its walls is a chapel of St. Anthony that devout goans still visit.
If you are coming from Margao, there are buses that ply on this route.
Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm Entry : free
Leopard valley
Leopard valley is the place to groove the night away, just like a rock show.
The open air venue can hold 3,000 people. Open only on friday with Rs.800 entry fee- a bit expensive. Do check the reviews before you go.
< Day 6 >
#10 Butterfly beach
You can hop on a ferry from either Palolem or Agonda, in order to reach Butterfly beach. The best time to explore this beautiful location is from Nov to March, and also ferries do not operate during monsoons.
Do carry your own water and eatables as there are no shacks around, also the ferry operators will need to return by the same ferry. Cost roughly 1k/ per person.
And finally the end of our Goa trip with Palolem beach!
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